Bacon is a breakfast staple that many of us can’t live without.
But let’s be real, cooking bacon on the stovetop can be a messy and greasy affair. The splattering grease can cover everything in its path, leaving you with a big mess to clean up.
However, there is a solution to this problem – cooking bacon in the oven. Not only does it produce perfectly crispy bacon, but it also eliminates the splatter and makes clean-up a breeze.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of cooking bacon in the oven and provide you with some tips and tricks to make sure your bacon turns out perfectly every time.
So, let’s get started!
Does Cooking Bacon In The Oven Splatter?
One of the biggest concerns when it comes to cooking bacon in the oven is whether or not it will splatter. The good news is that cooking bacon in the oven produces significantly less splatter than cooking it on the stovetop.
When you cook bacon in the oven, the heat circulates evenly around the bacon, cooking it evenly without creating hot spots. This means that there are no areas of the bacon that are cooking faster than others, which can cause splattering.
Additionally, when you cook bacon in the oven, you can place it on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This helps to contain any grease that may come off the bacon and makes clean-up a breeze.
The Problem With Stovetop Bacon: Splatter And Mess
Cooking bacon on the stovetop can be a messy and potentially dangerous affair. The high heat required to cook bacon on the stovetop can cause hot grease to splatter and sizzle, potentially burning you and leaving a greasy mess all over your stovetop.
Not only can this be a safety hazard, but it can also be a pain to clean up. Grease splatters can leave stubborn stains on your stovetop that are difficult to remove, and the lingering smell of bacon grease can be unpleasant for some people.
Furthermore, cooking bacon on the stovetop requires constant attention to prevent burning or uneven cooking. This means standing over a hot stove for several minutes, which can be uncomfortable and time-consuming.
The Benefits Of Oven-Cooked Bacon: Crispy And Clean
Cooking bacon in the oven has several benefits beyond just reducing splatter. One of the biggest advantages is that it produces perfectly crispy bacon every time. Unlike stovetop cooking, where the bacon sits in its own grease, oven-cooked bacon is elevated on a rack, allowing the grease to drip away from the bacon. This results in a crispy texture that is hard to achieve with stovetop cooking.
Another benefit of oven-cooked bacon is that it’s hands-off, meaning you can cook the rest of your breakfast while the bacon is cooking in the oven. This makes it a great option for feeding a crowd or for busy mornings when you don’t have time to stand over the stove.
Finally, cleaning up after cooking bacon in the oven is easy and hassle-free. As mentioned earlier, you can line your baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper to catch any grease that may come off the bacon. Once the bacon is done cooking, simply toss the foil or parchment paper and wash your baking sheet with soap and water.
How To Prepare Bacon For Oven Cooking
Preparing bacon for oven cooking is a simple process that can be done in just a few steps. Here’s how to do it:
1. Preheat your oven: Before you start preparing your bacon, preheat your oven to the desired temperature. Most recipes call for a temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit, but this may vary depending on the thickness of your bacon and your desired level of crispiness.
2. Line a baking sheet: Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This will help to contain any grease that may come off the bacon and make clean-up easier.
3. Arrange the bacon: Lay the bacon slices on the lined baking sheet, making sure that they are in a single layer and not overlapping too much. This will help to ensure that the bacon cooks evenly.
4. Optional: Add seasoning: If you want to add some extra flavor to your bacon, consider sprinkling on some seasoning such as cracked black pepper, brown sugar, or chipotle chili powder.
5. Bake the bacon: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the bacon for the recommended time based on the thickness of your bacon. Thin-cut bacon typically takes around 10-15 minutes, medium-cut bacon takes around 15-20 minutes, and thick-cut bacon takes around 20-25 minutes.
6. Remove and drain: Once the bacon is cooked to your desired level of crispiness, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess grease.
By following these simple steps, you can prepare bacon for oven cooking without any splatter and enjoy perfectly cooked bacon every time.
The Best Temperature And Time For Perfectly Cooked Bacon
The ideal temperature for cooking bacon in the oven is 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature allows the bacon to cook evenly and reach the perfect level of crispiness without burning.
The cooking time for bacon in the oven will vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and how crispy you prefer it. For thin-cut bacon, bake it for 12 minutes at 400 degrees F. For thicker bacon, it will take around 14-20 minutes to cook. It is recommended to use a large rimmed baking sheet to prevent grease from dripping everywhere.
It is important to note that you do not need to flip your bacon when cooking it in the oven. Simply lay the bacon slices on the baking sheet and let them cook until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
If you prefer to use a wire rack when cooking your bacon, it is still recommended to cook it at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for around 20 minutes. However, using a wire rack may cause more splatter and grease drippings than simply laying the bacon directly on a lined baking sheet.
Tips And Tricks For Perfect Oven-Cooked Bacon
If you want to achieve the perfect oven-cooked bacon, follow these tips and tricks:
1. Use a baking sheet with a rim to prevent any grease from spilling over onto your oven.
2. Line the baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy clean-up. If you choose to use parchment paper, make sure to overlap the edges of the baking sheet to prevent any grease from seeping through.
3. For extra crispy bacon, place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet and lay the bacon strips on top of the rack. This will allow the bacon to cook more evenly and prevent it from sitting in its own grease.
4. Make sure not to overlap the bacon strips on the baking sheet, as this can cause uneven cooking and prevent the bacon from getting crispy.
5. Keep an eye on the bacon towards the end of the cooking time, as thicker cuts may produce more grease and splatter. To prevent this, place the baking sheet in the lower third of the oven and place a sheet of foil underneath the bacon.
6. To add extra flavor to your bacon, try seasoning it with black pepper, sriracha, honey, maple syrup, garlic, chili powder, or brown sugar before placing it in the oven.
By following these tips and tricks, you can achieve perfectly cooked bacon in the oven without any mess or splatter.
Cleaning Up: How To Deal With Bacon Grease And Leftover Bits
One of the main benefits of cooking bacon in the oven is that it significantly reduces the mess associated with cooking bacon on the stovetop. However, there will still be some grease and leftover bits to deal with. Here are some tips on how to clean up after cooking bacon in the oven:
1. Dispose of the grease properly: Instead of pouring the hot bacon grease down the drain, which can clog your pipes, let it cool and solidify before disposing of it in the trash. You can also save the bacon grease and use it for cooking other dishes later on.
2. Use a spatula to remove any leftover bits: After you have removed the cooked bacon from the baking sheet, use a spatula to scrape off any leftover bits that may have stuck to the foil or parchment paper.
3. Let the baking sheet cool before cleaning: Once you have removed as much grease and leftover bits as possible, let the baking sheet cool down before cleaning it. This will prevent any hot grease from splattering and burning you.
4. Clean the baking sheet with hot soapy water: When you are ready to clean the baking sheet, use hot soapy water and a scrub brush or sponge to remove any remaining grease or bits. You can also use a non-abrasive cleaner if needed.
5. Dispose of the foil or parchment paper: Once you have cleaned up all the grease and bits, dispose of the foil or parchment paper in the trash.
By following these tips, you can easily clean up after cooking bacon in the oven without making a mess or causing any damage to your kitchen.
